Chapter 6 - The Architect of Lies
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While Damon sat through an agonizing dinner with his brother, Vance was working furiously in the subterranean security hub of the estate.
The background check on Naomi Carter had returned initial results, and the findings were deeply disturbing.
Vance printed the files and immediately took the private elevator up to the master wing, slipping quietly into the guest suite where Naomi was held.
Naomi was sitting by the window, watching the rain fall over the estate grounds. Zuri was fast asleep on the massive king-sized bed, surrounded by expensive silk pillows.
“Miss Carter,” Vance said quietly, closing the door behind him.
Naomi turned, crossing her arms defensively. “Has he decided what to do with us?”
“Mr. Ashford is currently entertaining a guest,” Vance replied, holding up the printed dossier. “But I have some questions about your file.”
Naomi swallowed hard. “I told him everything.”
“You told him you were working in a diner in Brooklyn three years ago,” Vance corrected, stepping into the room. “But according to federal tax records, Naomi Carter didn't exist three years ago. Your social security number was issued thirty-four months ago. Your birth certificate is a high-level forgery. Whoever built your identity spent a fortune making you invisible.”
Naomi backed away until her shoulders hit the window frame.
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
“You are a ghost,” Vance said, his voice lowering into a dangerous rumble. “And ghosts who infiltrate the Ashford estate are usually assassins. So, I am going to ask you one more time. Who are you, and who sent you to this house?”
Naomi looked at her sleeping daughter. Tears welled in her eyes.
“I am not an assassin,” Naomi whispered, her voice breaking. “I came here because it was the only place he wouldn't look for me. The safest place to hide from a monster is in the shadow of a bigger monster.”
“Who are you hiding from?” Vance demanded.
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Before she could answer, the door to the suite opened. Damon stood in the doorway, his face carved from stone. He had dismissed Silas early and come straight to the suite.
“She’s hiding from the man who murdered my wife,” Damon stated, stepping into the room. He looked directly at Naomi. “Isn't that right, Nurse Martinez?”
